The world of Indian cue sports has suffered a profound loss. Manoj Kothari, a former world champion and a revered figure who helped popularize billiards in the country, passed away on Monday. He was 67 years old.
A Legacy Cut Short: The Final Days
Kothari breathed his last in a hospital in Tirunelveli, near Chennai. He had undergone a liver transplant just ten days prior to his death. The family confirmed that he succumbed to a massive cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife Neeta, his son and fellow world champion Sourav, and his daughter Shreya.
His passing marks the end of an era for a unique sporting dynasty. The Kotharis are one of the rare families in Indian sport where two consecutive generations have clinched a world title in the same discipline.
From Wildcard to World Champion: The 1990 Triumph
Manoj Kothari's defining moment came in 1990 when he lifted the World Billiards Championship title. His victory was nothing short of spectacular, as he entered the Bengaluru event as a wildcard entry. This unexpected win played a pivotal role in bringing cue sports into the mainstream consciousness of Indian sports fans.
Inspired by this success, he soon turned professional. His prowess was not limited to singles; in 1997, he added the World Doubles Billiards Championship to his illustrious resume. For many later generations of players, however, he was best known as a renowned billiards coach, dedicating himself to nurturing new talent.
The Engineering Mind and a Family of Champions
Interestingly, Kothari's journey into cue sports began almost by accident. His first foray into sports was table tennis at a club near his ancestral home in north Kolkata. Curiosity led him to explore other facilities, where he first laid eyes on a billiards table. The young man was captivated by the scene—a dark room with a conical light illuminating the green baize. The magic of that moment drew him in.
As a mechanical engineering student from Jadavpur University, the physics of the game resonated with him. The deflection and curving of the balls made intuitive sense to his analytical mind. He once famously remarked, "I never began playing to become a champion." Yet, a champion he became.
His legacy was magnificently carried forward by his son, Sourav Kothari. Sourav first won the world title as an amateur in 2018, and then, in a poignant full-circle moment 35 years after his father's triumph, he clinched a professional world championship in 2025, emulating his father's legendary feat.
The passing of Manoj Kothari leaves a void in Indian cue sports. He was not just a champion player but a foundational pillar who inspired a generation, including his own son, to reach for the world crown. His story, from a curious engineering student to a world-beater and coach, remains an indelible chapter in India's sporting history.
